SIMI VALLEY, Calif. — A Simi Valley man faces felony hit-and-run charges after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian in a convenience store parking lot before fleeing the scene, police announced Monday evening.
(Featured article photo provided by @rhysgedwards via Instagram)
The fatal traffic collision unfolded during the late afternoon hours along a busy commercial corridor in Simi Valley, prompting an immediate response from local patrol officers, traffic investigators, and emergency medical personnel.
According to an official media notification released by the Simi Valley Police Department, dispatchers received multiple emergency 911 calls at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, reporting a severe vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven store located at 1369 Erringer Road.
Fatal Impact, Vehicle Abandonment, and Suspect Apprehension
First-responding officers and paramedics arrived at the Erringer Road commercial plaza within minutes of the initial dispatch calls. Upon arrival, emergency crews located an adult pedestrian suffering from catastrophic traumatic injuries resulting from the collision.
Medical personnel evaluated the victim at the scene, but despite emergency life-saving efforts, the pedestrian succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased on site.
Preliminary evidence gathered by traffic investigators indicated that a motor vehicle struck the pedestrian inside the parking lot area and immediately fled the scene without stopping to render aid, check on the victim, or contact emergency services as required by California state law.
While collision reconstruction specialists secured the parking lot and began documenting physical evidence, additional patrol units flooded the surrounding commercial and residential neighborhoods to locate the fleeing vehicle and suspect.
During the coordinated area search, officers located the suspect's involved vehicle abandoned a short distance away from the crash site. Investigators processed the automobile for forensic evidence and continued tracking the driver's flight path on foot.
A short time later, officers located the suspected driver, identified as 40-year-old Abel Alvaro, a resident of Simi Valley. Officers contacted Alvaro and took him into custody without further incident.
Alvaro was transported to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, where he was formally booked on felony charges under California Vehicle Code Section 20001(a)—felony hit-and-run resulting in death or injury.
"Upon arrival, officers determined that a vehicle had struck an adult pedestrian and fled the scene. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene," the Simi Valley Police Department detailed in its official advisory.
"During the investigation, officers searched the surrounding area and located the involved vehicle abandoned. Officers continued their investigation and search for the driver and subsequently located Abel Alvaro, 40, a Simi Valley resident. Alvaro was taken into custody without incident," police officials added.
Ongoing Investigation and Identification Protocols
The identity of the deceased pedestrian is currently being withheld by the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office pending the formal notification of next of kin and completion of preliminary autopsy findings.
Traffic investigators from the Simi Valley Police Department Traffic Bureau maintain active control over the ongoing investigation. Officers are working to review commercial security video footage from surrounding businesses along Erringer Road and collect witness statements to establish the precise sequence of events leading up to the fatal impact.
Pedestrian safety in commercial parking structures and retail shopping centers remains a vital focus for local public safety personnel. Police remind all motorists that California law strictly requires drivers involved in any collision resulting in injury or death to immediately stop, call 911, and render assistance.
Members of the public who witnessed the collision, observed the suspect vehicle fleeing the 7-Eleven parking lot, or possess relevant surveillance camera footage are strongly encouraged to contact the Simi Valley Police Department Traffic Bureau at (805) 583-6950 or call the non-emergency dispatch line at (805) 583-6950. Official department updates are published on the Simi Valley Police Department Nixle Advisory Page.